Geoff Toovey dismisses rumours of player split at Manly
1:12

Manly coach Geoff Toovey has dismissed rumours some of his biggest stars have asked to be released from their contracts due to a rift at the club, claiming on-field performances indicate everyone at the club is pulling in one direction.

Fox Sports

22 Jul 2014

Sport/NRL/Previews & Reviews

MANLY players have discussed fronting the club’s board to vent their frustrations and explain why some are seeking releases.

The Daily Telegraph has been told the players want to ask directors why Glenn Stewart wasn’t offered a contract and to discuss some alleged player disharmony.

Sea Eagles stars Brett Stewart (off contract after 2016) and Anthony Watmough (off after 2015) have reportedly sought releases. Steve Matai (off after 2015) has asked for a release, which was denied.

Manly Sea Eagles trio seeking early releases
0:58

Manly Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai has confirmed he wants out of Manly, and reports have emerged that he has been joined by Brett Stewart and Anthony Watmough in seeking an early release from their contracts.

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21 Jul 2014

Sport/NRL/Previews & Reviews

“I’m not prepared to comment on the private discussions around any of our clients until such time as there is an outcome for public consumption, be it positive or negative,” Mimis said.

Social media was in meltdown on Tuesday with suggestions where the players may sign, if granted releases.

One theory to be shot down though was Brett joining brother Glenn at Souths.

“That won’t be happening,” said Souths CEO Shane Richardson. “We have no money left in our salary cap.

“He (Brett Stewart) is a great player but we have a fullback (Greg Inglis). It was never discussed when signing his brother.”

Steve Matai is another player who wanted out of the club.Source: News Corp Australia

Matai confirmed this week he did seek a release but Manly is now working on a deal to actually extend his contract at Brookvale.

On Tuesday, he claimed to have a fair idea where the three players may end up next year, if released.

“You don’t ask for a release unless you walk straight out and straight into other employment,” Johns said Triple M’s Grill Team.

“As we know, the Warriors are after Stevie Matai. Matai has been one of the best value-for-money signings that Manly have ever made. I think, at the end of the day, he will be granted a release.

“Anthony Watmough, he is on close to $1 million next year, he has a back-ended contract. Wherever Anthony Watmough is going, they are offering huge money. My mail is it’s Parramatta, they are keen to sign him.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly: Match report
1:48

The Manly Sea Eagles have defeated the St George Illawarra Dragons 12-21, denting the Dragons' chances of making the finals.

Fox Sports

21 Jul 2014

Sport/NRL/Previews & Reviews

“The other one, Brett Stewart. Where does Brett Stewart go? One thing the Bulldogs need is a fullback. They are desperate for a fullback.

“I’m telling you, I think that’s where Brett Stewart will end up. If Brett Stewart is granted a release, he’ll end up at the Dogs.”

Under-pressure Manly general manager David Perry was quizzed on Tuesday about the Brett Stewart and Watmough situation.

“We haven’t had any formal request. I haven’t had informal requests,” he told Sky Sports Radio.

“Those discussions are confidential. Those guys are in demand so there’s always interest in quality players. As far as we’re concerned, these players will be here next year.

“We’ve had some challenges the last three months - we don’t hide from that - but the reason we’ve been successful is that we’ve kept a lot of these senior players and quality players together for such a long time.”

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